Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba” due to his veteran status in politics, has embarked on a diplomatic tour of Southern African countries in his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

On January 13, 2024 he met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Harare, Zimbabwe, seeking the country’s support for his candidacy.

This isn’t President Mnangagwa’s first show of support for Odinga. During President William Ruto’s visit to Zimbabwe, Mnangagwa expressed his backing for Odinga’s AUC chairmanship bid. As the current SADC Chairperson, Mnangagwa’s endorsement carries significant weight in the region.

Odinga’s visit to Zimbabwe is not his first. He has previously travelled to the country in solidarity with opposition leaders, including the late Former Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai. His familiarity with the region and its leaders will likely aid his campaign.

As he seeks to succeed Chadian Moussa Faki, Odinga faces competition from other candidates, including Djibouti Foreign Affairs Minister Tahtoud Ali Youssof and Somalia’s Fawzia Yusuf Adam. The AUC chairperson will be elected through a secret ballot on February 25 at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Odinga’s campaign focuses on promoting African unity, economic development, and peace. He has emphasized the need for Africa to speak with one voice on global issues and to prioritize the interests of the continent.

The former Kenyan Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts aim to consolidate backing from key African governments ahead of the crucial vote. His tour of Southern African countries will take him to several nations, where he will engage with leaders and stakeholders to garner support for his candidacy.

Odinga’s bid for the AUC chairmanship has received endorsements from several African countries, including Algeria, Angola, Burundi, and Zimbabwe. His campaign has also gained momentum, with many Africans expressing support for his vision for a united and prosperous Africa.

As the continent prepares to elect a new AUC chairperson, Odinga’s experience and leadership skills make him a strong contender for the position. His commitment to African unity and development has earned him the respect and admiration of many across the continent.

With the elections just weeks away, Odinga’s campaign is in full swing. His tour of Southern African countries is a critical part of his strategy to secure the necessary support to win the AUC chairmanship. As the former Kenyan Prime Minister continues his diplomatic efforts, one thing is clear: Raila Odinga is a force to be reckoned with in the bid for the AUC chairmanship.